Page 22 - Play Coastal Mississippi - Spring, 2024

PLAN & PLAY
Where the Locals Go
story by Cherie Ward
photos courtesy of Centennial Plaza, Fly Llama Brewing, Hatsukoi Restaurant & Sushi Bar, and The Blind Tiger
Just a hop, skip, and a jump off the interstate you’ll find the fascinating seaside towns of Coastal Mississippi. Each of these charming beach cities has scrumptious seafood, culturally rich and diverse art, and land and ocean outdoor adventures just waiting to be explored and appreciated. Now, you're probably daydreaming of steaming Gulf shrimp platters or freshly shucked Gulf oyster trays washed down by the most unique beer you've ever tasted, or shopping in one-of-a-kind boutiques, but where are the best places to make all your coastal dreams a reality?
Local artist Katie Brace Peterson has a few thoughts on the matter and named the Flying Llama Brewery in Biloxi as her choice to grab a tasty beer. “They have the best beer and I’m not even a beer drinker, but their Mardi Gras beer is the best beer I've ever had,” she said.
Peterson, who is an up-and-coming live wedding painter, spends a lot of time at event venues throughout the Mississippi Coast and her favorite upscale party and celebration destination is the Centennial Plaza in Gulfport, a crown jewel of the Coast. “It’s such a fun, classy place,” she said, adding she and her husband, Drew, live in D’Iberville, but grew up in Ocean Springs.
When they go out for a well-deserved date night, they have quite a few favorite spots. Hatsukoi is their favorite Ocean Springs place for spoon-licking pho while Maison de Lu is their go-to fine dining experience. For cocktails, nothing beats a Honey Bunny at the
Hatsukoi Restaurant & Sushi Bar
22 PLAY COASTAL MISSISSIPPI Spring 2024
www.CoastalMississippi.com
Centennial Plaza